Reading plays a critical role in almost every academic discipline, and students who can't read well are more likely to struggle in other subjects. For example, a student might love math, but if it takes her 20 minutes to read the directions on a worksheet, she might quickly get bored with her homework and even give up. Students need to be able to competently read to follow instructions on standardized tests as well as answer the questions themselves, so poor reading skills can greatly diminish standardized test scores at every level of education.
For students who struggle in school, dropping out may seem like a good option. A 2012 study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that if students aren't reading well by third grade, they are significantly more likely to drop out than students who read proficiently in third grade. By third grade, reading is typically a standard element in the academic curriculum, with a stronger emphasis on reading to understand basic concepts, so this might explain why third-grade reading can play a critical role in a student's decision to drop out.
According to Forbes.com, physicians rank among the highest paid professionals, and reading -- to review patient records, medical literature and communications from other doctors -- is indispensable in this profession. Even when students pursue low-paid work, such as retail sales or child care, they'll still need to be able to read and write so that they can understand receipts, comprehend work memos or teach children reading skills. Failure to learn to read well can cripple a child's employment prospects, and even if he's able to eventually get a job, poor reading can slow down his work, making it more challenging and more frustrating.
Reading is an important part of everyday life. From reading directions to leaving notes for friends and family, people who can't read well will struggle at basic tasks. Reading can even affect a person's safety. A child who can't read warning signs, road signs or instructions on how to help a choking person can jeopardize his safety and the safety of others. Even if a child is capable of reading but reads poorly, her lack of proficiency could delay her decision-making, which can be especially dangerous in an emergency.